From Beaches to History: Things to Do in Waterford, CT

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Waterford, Connecticut, may be a small town, but it’s brimming with charm and unique activities that make it a hidden gem along the Long Island Sound. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to relax by the water, Waterford has something for everyone. From scenic parks and beautiful beaches to fascinating museums and local eateries, this coastal town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

Harkness Memorial State park

Garden with purple flowers and small trees, set against a backdrop of a stone wall and a tower.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Harkness Memorial State Park is a great place to enjoy the Connecticut shoreline. This park has a little bit of everything. It has water views, a beach, a historic mansion, and various gardens to explore. It’s also a great spot for bird watching.

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Seaside State Park

An abandoned, multi-story brick building is surrounded by a chain-link fence, with a foggy sky overhead and overgrown grass in the foreground.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Seaside State Park is a park located on the coast of Waterford. This park offers beautiful coastal views, and it’s one of the best spots to catch a sunset in southeastern Connecticut. However, the real points of interest are the old buildings from what was once Seaside Sanatorium, which opened in the 1930s and closed in 1997. Seaside was added to the National Historic Register in 1996 and it became a state park in 2014.

Jordan Mill Park

A metal bridge spans over a flowing waterfall in a winter landscape, with bare trees in the background and snow on the ground.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Jordan Mill Park is tucked away and it’s a bit of a hidden gem. This park is situated at the site of the old Jordan Grist Mill, which operated from 1737 to 1918. Additionally, this park features some hiking trails along the Jordan River. The parking area is off of Trumbull Road in Governor’s Landing. It will look like someone’s driveway, but I promise, there’s a parking area for the park.

Waterford Beach Park

A serene beach view with clear blue skies, gentle waves, and a few people walking along the shoreline. Lush greenery borders the sandy beach.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Waterford Beach Park is home to my personal favorite beach on the Connecticut shoreline. This park is not far from Harkness Memorial State Park. It’s a great spot to get outside and enjoy the shoreline and it’s also a great spot for birding.

Waterford Historical Society

A rustic wooden house with a shingled roof, white-framed windows, and a central door. Surrounded by a white picket fence and vibrant orange flowers, set against a backdrop of trees.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

The Waterford Historical Society is a great place to visit even if you’re interested in historic buildings. There are various buildings to see on the property, some of which are on the National Historic Register. The buildings are sometimes open for events. The best way to check for upcoming events is by checking their Facebook page.

Grab A Bite To Eat At The Dock Restaurant

A group of people on a dock by the water, with a bridge and a drawbridge in the background on a clear day.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

The Dock is a seasonal restaurant that’s located along the Niantic River. It is a great spot to grab a bite to eat while enjoying some water views. My family loves coming here for seafood and to watch the boats on the Niantic River.

Grab A Bite To Eat At The Fat Tuna

A plate with breaded chicken cutlet topped with fresh arugula, served with a lemon wedge on the side.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

Not far from The Dock Restaurant is The Fat Tuna restaurant. This is pricier than The Dock, but the food is delicious. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, and while it’s not right on the river like The Dock, you can see the river if you’re out on the deck. This is a great spot to get seafood.

Civic Triangle Park

White boardwalk with metal railings curves over a pond, surrounded by lush green trees and grass under a clear sky.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This park is located between Boston Post Road and Rope Ferry Road. The area where Duck Pond is was recently redone and it features a beautiful walking path around the pond. Other features of this park are a gazebo, playground, and skate park.

Stenger Farm Park

A wooden picnic table and benches sit on a leaf-covered platform surrounded by trees with autumn foliage. A small white post is located nearby.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This park has an interesting history. It was bought by Nicolas Stenger, who owned a popular drug store in NYC. He invented a popular tonic medicine that was advertised as “the greatest cure on earth for all diseases.” This tonic was brewed on the Stenger Farm property. In 1979, the town of Waterford bought the park and today it features hiking trails as well as some spots for picnicking by the pond.

Cowlick’s Creamery

A hand holding a cookies and cream milkshake with whipped cream and a purple straw. A cow mural is visible in the background.
Photo credit: Kailey MarcAurele.

This seasonal ice cream spot serves up Hershey’s ice cream. It’s a very family-friendly spot and there are plenty of things to keep children entertained outside. This ice cream shop serves up some really fun milkshakes and ice cream sundaes! It’s a great spot to visit in the warmer months.

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6 Comments

  1. Wow, I had no clue about this town. Next time I am in the area I will definitely make a stop. Thanks for highlighting!

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